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Cardiac Troponins are blood markers of myocardial damage and are widely utilised across all acute medical departments. However, with a massive rise in requests for this test, the interpretation of raised serum levels in the absence of cardiac sounding clinical features can become a clinical conundrum. This is especially true if the numerous causes of positive test results are not fully appreciated. A thorough understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of this blood test in light of a patient population living longer, increasing in comorbidities and possible causes of false test results can provide invaluable support in establishing an accurate diagnosis and instigating effective management. This article will describe the history of cardiac markers along with a discussion of the various causes of elevated cardiac troponins outside acute coronary syndrome. It will elaborate on the applications and significance of this blood test and the potential uses of positive results with elevated serum Troponin levels.

Original publication

DOI

10.1177/0036933014540090

Type

Journal article

Journal

Scott Med J

Publication Date

08/2014

Volume

59

Pages

172 - 178

Keywords

Troponin, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cardiac enzymes, differential diagnosis, myocardium, Biomarkers, Creatine Kinase, Heart Diseases, History, 20th Century, Humans, Kidney Diseases, Pulmonary Embolism, Sepsis, Troponin I, Troponin T